NEWS

(Big Sandy, Mont.) - U.S. Senator Jon Tester is sponsoring legislation to protect Native American families and increase resources for tribal law enforcement officers during the search for missing children.

Tester's bill, The AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act, will require the U.S. Justice Department to work with tribal law enforcement to develop and implement AMBER Alert communication systems in Native American communities. Many tribal law enforcement agencies currently do not have the communication infrastructure to send or receive AMBER Alert messages with other local law enforcement agencies or the FBI.

"Every second is precious during the search for a missing child," Tester said. "Ensuring that tribes have the resources needed to establish and enhance AMBER Alert services will save lives and strengthen Indian communities."